November 2006 archives

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Thursday, November 30, 2006

Kettle drive begins

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Retired Salvation Army Maj. Stanley Melton, left, stands by the Salvation Army kettle as volunteer Bob Powell rings his bell calling for donations inside the Berkeley Mall this morning. Money from the Salvation Army kettles goes to...

Smith says facilities should be priority

More than nine years after starting his terms on the Wayne County Board of Education, Lehman Smith said he will head back to private life with the realization that some of the work he had hoped to accomplish has yet...

Teenager hit while walking on street

An 18-year-old Goldsboro girl was struck and killed by a motorist while walking along Central Heights Road near New Hope Road late Wednesday. Apryl Nicole Smith of Branwood Drive was walking in the northbound lane of Central Heights Road when...

Dudley plant to lay off workers

Fourteen more Georgia-Pacific Oriented Strand Board workers will be laid off Friday, bringing the total released since October to 63, a company official said Thursday. Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific informed employees Oct. 3 that hourly paid employees would be laid off in...

Are you the jackpot winner?

Pam Walker, the corporate communications director for the N.C. Education Lottery, said she won't know who won the jackpot until she sees "the whites of their eyes." Although other winners have had the names of their towns or counties released...

Pate will be packing pickles

The United Way of Wayne County said "bring it on" and now state Rep. Louis Pate is preparing to pack plenty of pickles at the Mt. Olive Pickle plant on Friday. "We look forward to having Rep. Pate packing pickles...

Making sure needy children have bikes

MOUNT OLIVE -- Santa's workshop has nothing on the men at First Baptist Church in Mount Olive. This is their busy season, too. Church members Mike Saviak, Wayne Gardner and Terry Whaley rebuild old bicycles for children all year long...

GATEWAY searches for new director

Goldsboro-Wayne Transpor-tation Authority is seeking a new director and could have one within the next month, officials announced this week. Former director Stephen Wright, who has lead the public transit system since April 2005, has taken a new job with...

Parent advisory chairman honored

Thea Williams, chairman of the Wayne County Public Schools' Title I Parent Advisory Council, recently received a natioanl service award for her efforts on behalf on Title I schools. She was awarded the William Anderson Service Award during the 33rd...

Pancake breakfast at Boys & Girls Club

Hot pancakes, sausage and coffee will be ready to serve up at 7 a.m. Saturday in the Boys & Girls Club on Royall Avenue. The club's board members will be preparing and serving the 29th annual pancake breakfast. Proceeds help...

Santa's workshop in Smithfield

SMITHFIELD -- Santa Claus, with the help of the downtown merchants of Smithfield, has set up a temporary workshop over the next several weeks to give area children to let him know what their special Christmas wishes are. The shop...

Operation Santa Claus seeks donations

Operation Santa Claus, the annual Christmas drive sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Wayne County, is under way and donations are being sought from the community. The local association has sponsored the project since 1960, said Amy Roux, executive...

County school students choral showcase Tuesday and Thursday

Wayne County Public Schools' students will ring in the holidays at Wayne County's annual choral showcase with two performances next week. The annual holiday showcase began in 2003 with 12 schools participating. It has grown to 25 schools and now...

Bentonville Christmas program Saturday

History buffs help decorate an 1860s style Christmas tree and spend time with Confederate soldiers around the campfire while sipping cider at Bentonville's Christmas Living History Program on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Costumed interpreters will provide insight...

Don't forget to vote!

Don't forget to vote! The Goldsboro News-Argus is accepting votes for the Seven New Wonders of the World. People who would like to select their favorite "wonder" can call 739-7835 by Sunday night and leave their vote on the voice...

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

They're Ready

News-Argus/Greg Sousa State Rep. Louis Pate, left, joined Goldsboro Mayor Al King and United Way Campaign Chairman Geoff Hulse this morning on PACC 10 TV to discuss the Bring It On campaign, an effort to reach the United WayÍs...

Next steps planned for Lighthouse

The news that The Lighthouse of Wayne County closed its doors Tuesday caught many of the organization's funders by surprise and might worsen the domestic violence shelter's already precarious financial condition. The Lighthouse Board of Directors has not released...

Roadwork planned for county

Although the North Carolina Department of Transportation has cut back funding for or delayed several road projects in the past year due to budget concerns, several Wayne County projects are going ahead as planned, officials said. A resurfacing package is...

Board moves forward on search for new WCC president

Wayne Community College is officially on its way to receiving applications for a new president, members of the Board of Trustees said Tuesday night. Keith Stewart, chairman of the presidential search advisory committee, told the board that an advertisement for...

Civil War battlefield will get its due

DUDLEY -- In December 1862, Confederate soldiers clashed with 12,000-plus Union troops in Wayne County. Their aim was to prevent the destruction of the Goldsborough Bridge, an important link along the Wilmington-Weldon Rail-road -- and the Confederate supply chain. But...

Holiday shoppers can get rides to local malls

Holiday shoppers soon won't have to worry about driving to each Goldsboro hot spot to buy toys and other Christmas presents. The Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority, or GATEWAY, board agreed Tuesday afternoon to include an additional vehicle and route specifically for...

Tickets still available for Mount Olive buffet

Tickets are still available for the annual Christmas buffet at Mount Olive College, planned for Tuesday, Dec. 5, in the Lois K. Murphy Regional Center on the college campus. Beginning at 6 p.m., entertainment will include performances by the college's...

County flu clinic scheduled for Friday

A flu clinic will be held Friday at the Wayne County Health Department from 8 a.m. until noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary, but there will be an alphabetical system used to ensure faster processing,...

Public records

Investigations Wayne County sheriff's deputies are investigating these reports: *Deputies made two more arrests in connection with a break-in in the Rosewood community. A 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl were charged with breaking and entering and damage to real...

Dog show raises money for Relay for Life

The Horse-N-Around For a Cure Relay Team held its second dog show on Nov. 5 in Herman Park, raising more than $2,000 for the Relay for Life. The group started as a Relay for Life team in support of the...

Red Cross plans yard sale

Black Friday might be over for this year, but the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross is hoping people will still be in the shopping mood for its yard sale fundraiser Dec. 9. The event will be held...

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Are they coming here?

News-Argus/Greg Sousa North Carolina native Lt. Dan McShane of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels said he hopes Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's Wings Over Wayne Airshow makes the team's 2007 schedule. McShane and his partner, Maj. Nathan Miller, were...

Lighthouse will close to examine finances

The Lighthouse of Wayne County is closed. According to a statement released by the board of directors today, the doors to the safehouse were shut this morning because of the organization's uncertain financial condition. The Lighthouse, which has served victims...

Wayne County could see Angels in the Sky

There was something different about the roar in the skies above Goldsboro shortly after noon Monday. The high-pitched buzz was less commanding than the sound of an F-15E Strike Eagle coming in for landing, but the aircraft was just as...

Study finds area airports helping Duplin, Wayne

They aren't the size of Raleigh-Durham International or even the Kinston Regional Jetport, but three local airports are having a big effect on the economies of Wayne and Duplin counties. According to a study recently completed by the North Carolina...

Troopers say patrols kept holiday accidents down

High visibility patrols are what troopers say reduced the number of traffic accidents on Wayne County roads despite the increased number of drivers on the highways over the Thanksgiving holiday. More than 16 local state troopers conducted license checks at...

Woman to answer charges of assault

A Goldsboro woman faces charges for allegedly assaulting a school bus driver who was trying to quell an altercation that erupted between four students at Grantham School earlier this month. Della Jane Newsome, 56, of Weaver Road, was charged with...

Free mental health screenings offered

The Mental Health Association in Wayne County is offering free online mental health screenings, according to Amy Roux, the association's executive director. The service covers a range of common emotional situations that often go undiagnosed and misunderstood, she said. "Have...

Popcorn-peddling Cubs earn top honors, rewards

Rosewood Cub Scout Colin Carter held the electric razor steady while Packmaster Frankie Herring's handlebar mustache slowly disappeared. Getting to shave Herring's mustache off was Colin's reward for selling the most popcorn during Cub Pack 258's annual money-raising drive. The...

School menus

These are the menus for Wayne Public Schools for December 4 - December 8 Monday - Breakfast: Sausage Biscuit, Lunch: Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza, Salisbury Steak w/Rice, Gravy & Whole Wheat Roll, Garden Peas, Corn on the Cob, Chilled Applesauce,...

Public records

Investigations Goldsboro police are investigating these reports: *Police arrested one of three suspects who allegedly robbed a Goldsboro man at gunpoint Monday night. Desi Dion Gardner, 40, Mark Edwards Road, was charged with armed robbery in connection with an incident...

Monday, November 27, 2006

Learning to trust

News-Argus/Matt Whittle Sheila West McLean of Warsaw feeds Dakota, one of two wild mustangs she and her husband, Jim, adopted through the federal Bureau of Land Management's Wild Horse and Burro Program in Kenansville on November 4. Dakota and...

Fremont man found murdered

FREMONT -- A Fremont man was murdered early this morning leaving police and other area law enforcement officials scrambling to find his alleged killers. The body of 46-year-old Ricky Holt was found between 3:30 and 4 a.m. just a few...

No decision on charges in hit and run death

Carol Coletrain Lane of LaGrange was shocked when she learned the sign she thought she hit on U.S. 70 on Election Day could possibly have been a man. The 72-year-old grandmother will have to wait a little longer before she...

Suspect turns himself into police

A Goldsboro man who was being sought for allegedly shooting his ex-wife's boyfriend turned himself in to police Sunday afternoon. Samuel Devon Cannon, 29, of Brock Street, surrendered without incident, Investigator Dave Cloutier said. Cannon was being sought in connection...

A new home off the range

WARSAW -- At 14-months- and 9-months-old, Dakota and Cheyenne are just like any other youngsters. They have their own personalities and mood swings. They play and they love their parents. They also can be a little stubborn, and they don't...

Special Olympians bring home medals

Special Olympics Wayne County sent a group of 13 athletes, playing partners, coaches and family to participate in golf events at the 2007 Special Olympics North Carolina State Fall Games in High Point recently. Coaches Rich and Debi Walderman said...

Duplin's hospital will battle shortfalls

Between rising health care costs and falling numbers of insured customers, Duplin General Hospital has been losing money on its operations for several years. And while the facility was able to count an overall profit this year, that losing trend...

Trees offer shoppers chance to share spirit

Four-year-old Keisha doesn't want a lot for Christmas -- a doll of her own, a pair of warm gloves and maybe even a new outfit. She is just one of the names of needy children in the community who without...

Let the annual toy hunt begin

It's official. The Christmas shopping season has begun. And if you have a child or teenager on your holiday list, there are a few names you need to know as you head out to find the perfect present to put...

Business loan seminar December 5

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a business seminar Tuesday, Dec. 5, on obtaining loans from the Small Business Administrative Community Express Loan Program. The featured speaker will be Sue Malone, president of Strategies for Small Business, who...

Public records

District Court These cases were heard in Wayne County District Court: *Michael Joseph Lozier, 23, Crows Foot Road, Mount Olive, speeding, $135 penalty and court costs. *Thomas Charles Martin, 52, Mills Loop Road, Mount Olive, not dislplaying license plat, $135...

Sunday, November 26, 2006

City shares stats for growth downtown

It's no longer enough to simply say downtown Goldsboro is headed for a renaissance, local economic development officials say. Now, they want numbers. So, executive director Julie Thompson and other staff at the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation recently released the...

Guess who's coming back to Goldsboro High

Jerry Sandford recalls his days as a Goldmasquer at Goldsboro High School as a magical time. "The era we were living in was truly Mayberry," the 1949 graduate said. "I think back on it, all of us were so innocent...

Cherry asks for volunteers for holidays

Christmas is typically a special time to be remembered, and for the patients at Cherry Hospital, it is no different. Without the help of interested individuals and groups, many of the 300 patients there might be forgotten. But the need...

County finance director to retire after 30 years

Norman Ricks just doesn't get headaches. Even after creating county budgets for the past 30 years, the Wayne County finance director can only remember a handful of times that his brain hurt from crunching numbers -- or anytime for that...

Parkstown parade to return Dec. 14

From staff reports A former Wayne County holiday tradition will return this year with the Parkstown Christmas Parade scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14. Thirty years after the last parade was held, organizers said they hope to bring back the event...

New Duplin school board members set sights on scores, facilities

They haven't taken office yet -- and won't until Dec. 5 -- but Jennings Outlaw and Chuck Farrior are looking forward to joining the Duplin County Board of Education, and they have already got some issues on their minds....

Neuse River expected to crest Tuesday

From staff and wire reports The Neuse River level was at 20 feet on Saturday -- two feet above flood stage -- and was expected to crest sometime Tuesday at about 20.3 feet, according to the National Weather Service. Ferry...

Public records

Recovered rifle While repossessing a vehicle on Berkeley Boulevard at about 1 a.m. Thursday, Allen Turbeville of A & T Towing and Recovery discovered an SKS semi-automatic rifle in the back seat of the car. Goldsboro police didn't describe the...

Lipizzaner Stallions to appear at Duplin Events Center

KENANSVILLE -- One of the world's most renowned horse shows will visit the Duplin County Events Center on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., when the Lipizzaner Stallions will make an appearance. The Lipizzaner Stallions are on...

Friday, November 24, 2006

Shopping with the crowds

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Elizabeth Rose, right, and her sister, Faye Davis, check out in the Target electronics section during their shopping spree that began at midnight this morning. The sister team had been to about five stores since their trip...

Ready, set, hunt ...

Holly Mitchell has been planning her post-Thanksgiving shopping schedule for weeks now. So when her sister, Debbie, came knocking at 4 this morning, she wasn't angry. It was all a part of the game. "I made the coffee because she...

Suspect sought in holiday shooting

Goldsboro police have launched a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly opened fire on another man Thankgiving Day -- and they are asking for the public's help to capture him. Samuel Devon Cannon, 29, of 1707 Courtyard Road, his last...

United Way challenges community to meet goal

Bring it on. Bring on the pickles. Bring on the coffee. Bring on the doughnuts. Bring on the parachute. Most importantly, bring on the money -- bring it to the United Way of Wayne County as the organization prepares to...

More problems discovered at polls in Lenoir

Lenoir County voters experienced voting irregularities for the third time this year after 207 voters were given the wrong ballot in one of Kinston's precincts, election officials said. Lenoir County Board of Elections Director Dana King said poll workers in...

Students make cards for airmen

Carver Heights Elementary School students clustered in a circle around their art teacher, Allison James, staring at the blank pieces of green construction paper before them. As she gave instructions for creating a snowman-covered Christmas card, the first-graders scrambled for...

Public records

Charges Goldsboro Police Department filed these charges: *Timothy Wayne Lewis, 40, Riverbend Road, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and deliver. *Julian Corey Craigwell Graham, 20, Hunters Club Drive, Raleigh, resist, delay, obstruct an officer, $1,500 bond. *Tyler Joseph...

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Christmas shopping season begins tomorrow

Wayne County merchants are ready for the early birds determined to get their hands on a holiday bargain tomorrow morning -- and they are advising Black Friday shoppers to start early, strategize and to make sure they carry a cell...

A tree for his little girl

MOUNT OLIVE -- Ed Ellis' little girl won't be home for the holidays this year. Instead, Goldsboro native and Rosewood High School graduate Cathy Jarrell will open Christmas gifts with her husband, Van, and daughter, Megan, around their tree on...

Col. Kwast gets key to the county

The 4th Fighter Wing's new commander got his official welcome to town this week, and pledged to continue to reinforce the relationship between Wayne County and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. And that starts with understanding how the county and...

Children share their blessings

Children say the darndest things. But on occasions like Thanksgiving, they can also provide poignant insights into what heartfelt gratitude means. When asked "What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?" first-graders did not hesitate to share their own personal lists....

2006 Empty Stocking Fund - Help us make holiday bright for children

As the holidays approach each year, hundreds of Wayne County children don't expect to find a gift under their trees on Christmas day. Santa Claus just doesn't stop at their houses. But thanks to the generosity of their neighbors and...

Inmates learn gift of caring about others

Duplin County Correctional Facility inmate Bruce Wilder has made plenty of mistakes in his life. But this Thanksgiving, he and seven other members of the Duplin Staff Resident Council are trying to make up for some of them -- and...

Public records

Crime of the Week A string of armed robberies is the focus of Goldsboro-Wayne Crime Stoppers "Crime of the Week." In the past two weeks, eight businessess have been victims of these crimes. In each case, one to four black...

Partnership will offer free prenatal classes

The Partnership for Children of Wayne County has scheduled two prenatal education options for expecting parents. A one-day "Growing Pains" session is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Information will be provided on prenatal nutrition;...

Duplin County School will tackle minority recruitment

KENANSVILLE -- With the Duplin County Board of Education holding its last business meeting in its current form, not many decisions were made Tuesday night, but there was a lot of information discussed -- even if board members Graham Phillips...

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Rain puts damper on holiday traveling

Just when it seemed Goldsboro and Wayne County residents had recovered from last week's flooding that left drivers stranded and front yards under water, rain that started Tuesday is bringing a whole new set of woes to area residents. High...

Traffic slow but expected to pick up

Motel parking lots in Goldsboro looked lonely this morning, and gas station attendants said they haven't seen many travelers passing through in the past couple of days. But that doesn't mean they aren't preparing for the annual rush of Thanksgiving...

Troopers set sights on reckless drivers

Expect plenty of blue lights along to the road to grandmother's house this Thanksgiving as state highway patrol officers across the country are expected to be out in full force. "(In North Carolina) all available men are going to be...

Deputies hunt for armed robber

Wayne County sheriff's deputies are searching for two men who robbed Bojangles at gunpoint Tuesday night and ran off with the cash register and $700 in cash. The armed men walked into the restaurant located on U.S. 117 South about...

Volunteers make sure needy will have meal Thanksgiving

The regulars at Goldsboro's Community Soup Kitchen might as well be a family. From the same seats they have taken each day before, they dine, share stories and dream of better weeks to come. But for Frank Exler and others...

Fremont's newest cop has wet nose

FREMONT -- He can wag his tail, pant and roll over. He can even lick your face. Rex, a 3-year-old K-9 officer, is best friend to officers at the Fremont Police Department, but a criminal's nightmare. Just ask his trusted...

School menus

These are the menus for Wayne Public Schools for Nov. 27 - Dec. 1 Monday - Breakfast: chicken biscuit. Lunch: pepperoni pizza, baked corn dog nuggets, broccoli, corn niblets, chilled pineapple tidbits, apple, garden salad. Tuesday - Breakfast: cheese toast....

Duplin starts new plans for county sewer system

KENANSVILLE -- The Duplin County Board of Commissioners took another step this week toward implementing a countywide sewer system, selecting engineering firm McDavid Associates of Farmville to design the project. "This is the initial step in evaluating the feasibility of...

Offices closed for Friday/Holiday information

Many government offices will be closed for a long Thanksgiving weekend. All local, state and federal government offices will be closed Thursday. Although federal offices will be open on Friday, offices of the city of Goldsboro, Wayne County and the...

Public records

Rifle shot hits house Clifford Bruce of 215 Beaver Drive near Dudley said someone, possibly a hunter, fired a rifle shot into his home Monday about 8:30 a.m while it was occupied, according to a report filed by the Wayne...

Wildlife exhibit at St. Mary

The Partnership for Children of Wayne County will sponsor a free wildlife exhibit for pre-school children next month. Wildlife Encounters will display reptiles from around the world at the "Wild About Reptiles" show scheduled for Dec. 14 at 9 a.m....

Grantham VFD gets approval for loan

The Grantham Volunteer Fire Department is one step closer to receiving a $100,000 tax-exempt loan from Southern Bank and Trust after the Wayne County Board of Commissioners approved the issue Tuesday. The money will be used to buy a replacement...

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Owners get more time to fix properties

Goldsboro City Council members condemned three dwellings and a dilapidated commercial building Monday at their final meeting of the month. Chief Building Inspector Ed Cianfarra said all four structures have been deteriorating for more than a year now and owners...

Marijuana delays suspect's court date

A Goldsboro man who arrived in court to answer his fourth driving while intoxicated charge ended up in more hot water Monday after authorities found drugs in his possession and discovered that his blood alcohol content was more than three...

Mediation planned in wrongful death suit

A mediation session has been scheduled for early next year in connection with a wrongful death lawsuit involving a 16-year-old Spring Creek High School student who drowned while on a band trip in April 2005. Michael M. Jones, a certified...

Wayne County Farm City Banquet cutline

Accepting the plaque for the induction of Dallas W. Price, deceased, into the Wayne County Agriculture Hall of Fame are his niece Anne Blanchard, left, and nephew Tim Price. Herman Croom also was inducted into the Hall of Fame and...

Chamber honors role agribusiness plays in Wayne' economy

About 250 Wayne County farmers and business leaders came together Monday night to celebrate the county's blend of agriculture and industry. "Although we are classified as an urban county, our agricultural population is an important part of our economy," Wayne...

Duplin commission has $238,508 paramedic bill

The Duplin County Board of Commissioners was busy writing checks again Monday morning, but members decided to hold off on signing the biggest one -- paychecks for county emergency medical personnel -- until at least February. Speaking at only his...

Rain caused sewer spill

MOUNTOLIVE -- With nearly five inches of rain falling in about five hours last Thursday, Mount Olive's sewer system was unable to keep pace, spilling nearly 350,000 gallons of wastewater out of a manhole leading to the wastewater treatment plant....

Pickle Classic king, queen crowned

MOUNT OLIVE -- Charles Williams of Beulaville and Sara Strickland of Goldsboro were crowned Pickle Classic King and Queen on Saturday during the 41st annual Pickle Classic Tournament held in conjunction with Mount Olive College's alumni weekend festivities. Ms. Strickland...

Public records

Missing The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing teenager. Joseph Allen Barnett III, 16, of Claridge Nursery Road, left his home in a green 1995 Plymouth Acclaim, according to reports. Barnett is described as a slender white...

Wireless Internet

The Wayne County Public Library in Goldsboro now offers wireless Internet. Patrons can bring laptops equipped with wireless modems and access the Internet anywhere in the building. Patrons can still sign on to one of the library's 21 public-access terminals....

Monday, November 20, 2006

United Way extends campaign drive

With less than a week left in its campaign and a little more than half of the 2006 goal met, United Way of Wayne County has extended its annual fundraising campaign to the end of the year. The total raised...

Commissioners to discuss tax listings

County residents have only a little more than a month left before they have to start thinking about taxes. The Wayne County Board of Commissioners will discuss the 2007 tax listing period during its meeting Tuesday morning. The listing period...

Mount Olive Chamber looking for leadership class

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for a few good men and women willing to be part of setting the town's course for the future. But, chamber president Gena Knode said, they don't expect those...

Duplin offers new support for students

Faced with a growing population of students with health, home and academic problems, the Duplin County School System is working to meet their needs and provide them with opportunities to stay in school. For the school system, said Pam Edwards,...

Plans in full swing for events honoring former GHS teacher

Organizers of the "Remembering Mr. B" events next month are busy putting the final touches on what is scheduled to be four events slated to honor Clifton Britton, the former Goldsboro High School drama teacher and adviser for the Goldmasquers....

Mount Olive College announces 2006 alumni awards list

MOUNT OLIVE -- "Doing Even More Than Before" was an appropriate theme for this year's alumni weekend gathering at Mount Olive College. Rick Rhodes, Class of 1975 and outgoing president of the alumni association, said it was the biggest year...

Public records

Investigations A naked man was spotted walking near N.C. 111 South near the Food Lion supermarket on Thursday afternoon. The man told Wayne County Sheriff's deputies that his name was Jesus Christ and that he was walking to Selma for...

Five Wayne County men jailed in Raleigh knife attack

Seven men from Wayne and Duplin counties were charged with assault charges stemming from a knife attack Sunday in Raleigh. Wake County Jail officials said all of the men were charged with assault with the intent to kill and inflicting...

Holiday trash collection schedules

Waste Industries will be closed on Thursday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. If your residential trash collection day is Thursday, it will be collected on Friday. Friday collection will remain on regular schedule. In the city of Goldsboro, all...

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Teen indicted in death of friend

A Goldsboro teen will face murder charges in connection with the May shooting death of a Charles B. Aycock High School student. A Wayne County Grand Jury returned an indictment for second-degree murder Nov. 6 against Timothy Wydal Alston...

Mount Olive College christens building for Rapers

MOUNT OLIVE -- When the Board of Trustees of Mount Olive College decided to dedicate the largest building on campus to its first president, it signified more than a name on a building. Christening the new structure W. Burkette and...

Thomas family keeping their faith, heart

Doug Thomas doesn't drive past the Ash Street crosswalk in front of Greenwood Middle School today without thinking about how other people drive -- too fast. It was there, a year ago, that his son, Carson, was hit as he...

New Hope firefighters mark 50th year

By ANDREW BELL and KENNETH FINE News-Argus Staff Writers When Roy and Willa Gray's house burned down in January 1951, all that was left was a single wooden step -- and a lifetime of charred memories. There were no firefighters...

Company announces 30 workers laid off

MOUNT OLIVE -- IMPulse NC Inc. officials announced Friday the company has laid off 30 employees after deciding to end one of its manufacturing lines. IMPulse NC President Terry Derrico said the company will no longer pursue its traction power...

Community Thanksgiving service today at 5 p.m.

From staff reports A community Thanksgiving service is planned for 5 p.m. today at Madison Avenue Baptist Church. The event is sponsored by the interdenominational and interracial ministers' group CLIFF, which prepares the Community Lent and Advent Services each year....

Downtown lighting ceremony Tuesday

By LEE WILLIAMS News-Argus Staff Writer Bells will be ringing and the Christmas decorations in downtown Goldsboro will be all aglow as hundreds of local residents gather for the annual holiday lighting ceremony this week. Mayor Al King and the...

Motorcycle toy run today

The 18th Annual Wayne County Motorcycle Riders Toy Run will be held today, with riders gathering at noon at Berkeley Mall for the 2 p.m. start. Entry fee is one new toy per bike. The toys will be donated to...

Today is deadline for Operation Christmas Child boxes

Today is the deadline for submission of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child at Adamsville Baptist Church. The program, sponsored by Samaritan's Purse, collects shoeboxes of toys and other gifts for needy children around the world. Shoeboxes will be accepted at...

City Council to hold four public hearings Monday

Zoning issues and conditional land use requests are among the items Goldsboro City Council will take up at its final meeting of the month Monday in the second-floor conference room at City Hall. The meeting, scheduled for a 7 p.m....

Mayor's Committee honors supporters of disabled

About half of the 85 people who live at the Waynesborough House have disabilities, and Mayor Al King said manager Joyce Johnson is like a mother to them all. King presented the Mayor's Trophy to Ms. Johnson Friday during the...

Duplin flu vaccines available

With flu season starting to warm up, the Duplin County Health Department has flu vaccines available. "We're giving flu vaccines every day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.," county health director Ila Davis said. "Anybody who needs a flu shot,...

Duplin County ABC/AYP test scores lower

Duplin County students turned in lower scores this year on state-sponsored proficiency tests, but that doesn't mean they are doing worse than last year, local school officials said. The state has just raised the bar, they said. The North...

Friday, November 17, 2006

Water logged -- heavy rains caused standing water, flooding in county

Despite the severe storms that caused two tornado warnings in Wayne and Duplin counties Wednesday morning, there were no confirmed sightings or touchdowns -- not what National Weather Service meteorologists thought they would hear. "We've had no reports, which is...

Judge will leave bench for state job

District Court Judge Rose Vaughn Williams will not seek re-election to another term and has taken a job as legislative counsel for state Insurance Commissioner Jim Long. Long's office made the announcement this week. Mrs. Williams has served as a...

County planners eye airport rezoning proposal

A Wayne County Planning Department plan could help the Goldsboro-Wayne Airport expand over the next 20 years -- if the airport's governing body agrees to the proposed zoning changes. Since a six-month moratorium was placed on development around the airport...

Shoppers wait in line for chance at Playstation 3

While video game lovers across the country camped out in tents and lawnchairs for days to be one of the first Americans to purchase the new Playstation 3, local merchants in Goldsboro said the event was less dramatic. Unlike employees...

Couple will face charges in court

ROXBORO -- The case of a Wayne County couple caught in an Internet sex sting conducted by the Person County Sheriff's Department will now be heard in Superior Court. John Ashley Dunn, 42, of Country Acres Road, and his wife,...

No mass flu clinic plannned for Saturday

A mass vaccination flu clinic tentatively planned for Saturday by the Health Department is not being held, Health Director James Roosen said. Instead, vaccinations on hand at the Health Department were distributed at a clinic on Nov. 7, during which...

Seven Springs parade Saturday

SEVEN SPRINGS -- The Seven Springs Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, starting at 3 p.m. Parents are urged to bring bags for children to collect candy thrown by parade participants. Candy is not allowed to be thrown at some...

Toy Run scheduled Sunday

The 18th Annual Wayne County Motorcycle Riders Toy Run will be held Sunday, with riders gathering at noon at Berkeley Mall for the 2 p.m. start. Entry fee is one new toy per bike. The ride will end at the...

public records

Drug charge A 16-year-old Rosewood High School student, Jesse Lee Garner, of Talbert Drive, was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuna and drug paraphernalia after a drug search was requested by the principal. Wayne County Sheriff's Deputies searched the boy...

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Severe weather slams state

News-Argus/Bobby Williams Mount Olive police officer Mike Pike looks over a car that wrecked this morning when winds from a tornado that passed over the area knocked it off the roadway. Strong winds and heavy rains are blamed for...

Storms rock region

A tornado that began in Columbus County this morning seems to have come through Wayne and Duplin counties without any significant damage. First reported in Columbus at about 6:30 a.m. by a state Highway Patrol officer, the storm cell moved...

City starts interviews to replace fire chief

When Goldsboro Fire Chief Bobby Greenfield's retirement becomes official Dec. 29, the city management team said they don't intend to keep his office vacant long. In fact, finding the right person to replace the 32-year firefighter has become a top...

State's rules for wells get new look

Wayne County Board of Health members will take a look at a set of proposed new state rules for wells set to take effect this summer -- and the board wants residents to do the same. Kevin Whitley, director of...

Board adds three months to Fremont chief's probation

FREMONT -- Fremont's police chief will have three more months of probation before he can officially take the job, free and clear, if the town board decides to give it to him. The Town Board of Aldermen voted unanimously in...

Dudley man walks away with minor injuries in crash

DUDLEY -- Officials say speed likely played a role in an accident that sent a Dudley man's car into a tree on Old Mount Olive Highway near Royall Drive Wednesday. Vincent Morton, 44, of Marshall Drive, was behind the wheel...

Family, friends mark clerk's retirement with celebration

More than 100 friends, family members and co-workers gathered Tuesday at the Steak Barn to wish outgoing Wayne County Clerk of Court Marshall Minchew, 59, a happy retirement -- and to mark the end of his 28-year career with the...

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Brand new station

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Airman 1st Class Garrett Heaton, left, 4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Steve Kwast, Seymour Johnson Fire Chief Thomas Wade Jr. and Assistant Chief Michael Joseph uncouple two links of hose during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Seymour Johnson...

Board will wait to eye location for new shelter

The Wayne County Planning Board will wait until December to decide whether to reccommend changing a zoning ordinance that could allow for the construction of the county's new animal shelter. The board tabled the decision at its meeting Tuesday night...

Woman gets time in 2005 stabbing

A Goldsboro woman could spend the next 14 years in prison for murdering her boyfriend last year, a judge decided Monday. Teresa Edwina Bizzell, 39, originally faced one count of first-degree murder in connection with the Feb. 24, 2005, stabbing...

Duplin woman enters plea after giving friend lethal dose of prescription drugs

KENANSVILLE -- A Duplin County woman pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter Tuesday in a case in which she provided a friend a fatal amount of painkillers. Joan Celeste Fussell, 43, was sentenced to a minimum of 16 months and a...

Goldsboro High students get chance to pick their own books for library

When it came time to pick new books for Goldsboro High School's library, media coordinator Jocelyn Whysall decided she needed some help. So, she gathered up some students, and headed to the local bookstore. "Students so often come into a...

County museum will lose director to school district

The Wayne County Museum is looking for a new director. Museum Director Janet Clayton has resigned to take a job with the Wayne County school system. Historical Association President Preston Garris told the museum board Tuesday night that the executive...

N.C. Highway Patrol announces annual holiday hunt for speeders

Speed is the leading cause of all traffic collisions and fatal collisions in the state, so troopers will be on the hunt for those who can't drive 55 -- or 65 -- and other reckless drivers over the Thanksgiving holiday....

City woman remains in hospital after crash

A Goldsboro woman remains in a Greenville hospital recovering from injuries she sustained in a three-vehicle accident that killed her husband and injured two others last month. Sharetta Herder, 28, of Dudley, the driver of a Dodge Status, was injured...

Public records

Investigation Detective Sgt. Rick Farfour recovered a 1999 Bobcat loader, valued at $14,500, within minutes after it was reported stolen on Nov. 9 from a Wilson resident. Thomas Woodrow Rice Sr., 48, of Mobile Circle, Dudley, was charged with felony...

Health fair at Jefferson United Methodist Church

A health fair will be held Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Jefferson United Methodist Church at 1100 N. Jefferson Ave. Maxim Health Care will give flu shots at no cost for those with Medicare, North Carolina Blue...

Mount Olive College will mark Founders Day with service

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College will celebrate 55 years of Christian higher education at its annual Founders Day event on Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. in Rodgers Chapel. The Rev. Owen Peele of Bethel Original Free Will Baptist Church...

Goldsboro Christmas parade entry deadlines drawing near

To participate in the Goldsboro Jaycees' Christmas Parade, an entry form must be postmarked by Nov. 18. Entries will be accepted after Nov. 18, but a $25 late fee will be charged for entries postmarked from Nov. 19 to Nov....

Operation Christmas Child collections held this week

Shoeboxes of gifts for needy children overseas are now being accepted at Adamsville Baptist Church on North Berkeley Boulevard. The drive is part of the annual Operation Christmas Child campaign. Organizers say they hope to have 6,000 boxes ready to...

Blood drive Tuesday at Duplin Hospital

KENANSVILLE -- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Tuesday, Nov. 21, in the community room on the third floor of the Duplin County Hospital, from 2-7 p.m. For information, call Lucia Butner at (910) 296-2607 or Susan...

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Suspect identified in hit-and-run

North Carolina Highway Patrol officials have released the name of a suspect in a Nov. 7 hit-and-run accident that killed a Goldsboro man. Carol Coletrain Lane, 72, of North Beston Road, LaGrange, has been ruled the at-fault party in the...

City plans council for residents

Some spoke out against violence. Others condemned gunshots, break-ins and youths roaming the streets at night. And a few even addressed flood concerns and fire ants. Now that neighbors across Goldsboro have had the opportunity to voice their concerns to...

U.S. sinkhole plugged

The eastbound lanes of the U.S. 70 bypass are open again after rainfall from Tropical Storm Ernesto created a sinkhole under part of the highway about two and a half months ago. The storm, which began overnight Aug. 31 and...

Hospital, EMS personnel try to stem heart attack deaths

A regional hospital and local emergency medical personnel are implementing a new program for heart attack victims that could allow lifesaving treatment to begin before they get to the hospital. Every year approximately 1.5 million people experience a heart attack....

Charges filed in Nov. 4 stabbing death

Wayne County sheriff's officials arrested a Pikeville woman in connection with a bloody brawl that claimed the life of 45-year-old Jose Enriquez III. Mary Kim Little, 27, of Johnston Avenue, Pikeville, faces charges of second-degree murder in connection with Enriquez's...

Commissioners consider plan for water/sewer lines

With officials agreeing that the Kenansville Bypass presents one of the county's best opportunities for economic development, the Duplin County Board of Commission-ers began weighing the feasibility of running water and sewer lines down the eight-mile stretch. Listening to the...

Alleged con artist caught after four-week manhunt

A LaGrange woman accused of defrauding local residents out of money has been taken into custody. Tina Michelle Newsome, 27, of Echo Drive, who was being sought by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office for more than four weeks, was apprehended...

Duplin County man pleads guilty to manslaughter

A Duplin County man pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter Monday in Duplin County Superior Court. Miguel Angel Mendoza, 20, was sentenced to a minimum of five years and a maximum of six years and nine months for the Aug. 14,...

Monday, November 13, 2006

Celebrating his heritage

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Goldsboro resident and Haliwa-Saponi Indian Dreamweaver describes the significance of his award winning watercolor, "The Protectors." The owl feathers are symbolic of prayer and a tribute to his ancestors, he said. "When we pray, our prayers are...

Family tries to handle shooting

Jose Enriquez III was just another name to many -- another crime victim caught in a world of violence and drugs. No one knows yet what sparked the incident that took him to an emergency room with stab wounds Nov....

Clubs say members are harder to recruit

Wayne County might lose some of its most valuable community service groups because they can't get members, especially younger ones. With limited interest from younger residents, several well-known and long-time clubs are "aging out." Older members simply cannot carry out...

American Indian artist honored for his work

Every time Dreamweaver glides his brush across a blank canvas, he's connected with his ancestors -- members of the Haliwa-Saponi and Tuscarora Indian tribes that once roamed North Carolina by the thousands. Earlier this month, the Goldsboro watercolorist, who goes...

Chamber chairman says county business climate strong

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors chairman Tom Buffkin sees a bright future for county businesses -- large or small. A solid workforce, available training and a healthy economy are just a few of the reasons interest in...

Wayne's Most Talented winners are ...

Good looks, deep country music roots and a soulful singing style that chills the spine are no doubt why 42-year-old Jeff Lane of Rosewood was crowned Wayne's Most Talented during a singing contest held over the weekend. More than 20...

Construction expected to begin on crossover project

Construction on a directional crossover at the intersection of U.S. 70 and Beston Road could begin as soon as today, transportation officials said. Contractors were at the site this morning to determine if this weekend's rain would delay the project,...

New computers speed deputies' work

Last month, the Wayne County Sheriffs Office deployed the first of 20 mobile data computers utilizing the new "AirCard" technology offered by Verizon Wireless. The new computers provide faster data response, access to reports and photos in the car, vehicle...

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Schools examine new security options

Wayne County Schools officials say the district has made several additions to make sure students are safe when they head to class and that even more security features -- like cameras and access control systems -- could be on the...

Proposed biodiesel plant faces new delay

MOUNT OLIVE -- The project is the same, but the investors have changed. The money is still there, but it's going to a different location. It's been two years, but now the town is facing a deadline to spend...

Woman dies after 117 crash

MOUNT OLIVE -- A Faison woman died from severe injuries she received in a two-vehicle collision on U.S. 117 Bypass and Lee's Country Club Road Thursday. Mary McCullen Wilson's vehicle was struck by a truck driven by Richard Martin Sweerus...

Couple tackling renovation of one of city's historic homes

Richard and Linda Mechling have been restoring historic homes for years now. From neighborhoods in Atlanta, Wilmington and now Goldsboro, each project is something special, they said. "We're kind of getting the hang of it," Richard said. "And addicted to...

Residents get closer look at Stoney Creek Park plan

Nearly 50 residents showed up at the Herman Park Center Thursday evening to meet with Stoney Creek Park Alliance board members. Some came for an update on plans to revamp the flood-prone park. Others wanted to offer their thanks to...

College plans alumni events

MOUNT OLIVE -- Hundreds of alumni are expected to return to their alma mater next weekend to participate in Mount Olive College's annual Homecoming. The festivities will begin Nov. 17 at 7:30 a.m. with a business breakfast briefing in the...

Duplin to study creating program

Duplin County students interested in studying math, science, technology and engineering may soon have their own specialized study program thanks in part to Microsoft founder Bill Gates. The school district recently received a $40,000 grant to study creating such an...

WAGES clothing giveaway Tuesday

The WAGES Community Services Self-Sufficiency Project will hold a 'Tis the Season to be Sharing' clothing giveaway in the WAGES Royall West Common Room at 507 E. Royall Ave., on Tuesday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Individuals involved in...

Taking time to remember: Local veterans share their stories

The Veterans Day parades are done, the grills are cooling off from a weekend of hot dogs and hamburgers, and U.S. flags have been folded tightly to wait for next year's celebrations. But many who have served in America's armed...

Public records

Shooting The Goldsboro Police Department responded to a shooting in the 1700 block of East Holly Street at about 9:15 p.m. Friday. Demarcus Dawson, 31, was shot with a handgun in a parking lot on that block at approximately 8:45...

Pierce gets recognition from music magazines

Entertainer and inspirational speaker Freddie Pierce was featured in two stories in the October editions of Christian Music Perspective and The Singing News. Pierce, who lives in Wayne County, had songs ranked 40th and 42nd in the top 100 among...

Mount Olive Thanksgiving

MOUNT OLIVE -- The annual Community Thanksgiving Service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.,m. at First United Methodist Church in Mount Olive. Dr. Burkette Raper, president emeritus of Mount Olive College, will be the guest speaker for...

Late Milas Kelly Sr. honored for role in establishing Credit Union network

The State Employees' Credit Union's board of directors posthumously honored Milas Dorsey Kelly, Sr. for his role in helping to establish the Credit Union's statewide branch network. Milas Kelly Jr. accepted the award on behalf of his father. The award...

Key Foods will officially take over Wayne Memorial Drive store Tuesday

The Southern Family Markets store on Wayne Memorial Drive will close at 4:30 p.m. Monday and reopen Tuesday morning as a Key Foods store. Ed Farceur at the store confirmed Friday that the store is changing hands. "Tuesday we'll open...

Agricultural leadership program is coming to Wayne Community

Back in the day, local crop farmer Karl Best was considered somewhat of a trend-setter, his widow Lillie now says. "These young farmers, they would stand back when Mr. Karl would try a new piece of equipment or something new,"...

Crime Stoppers telethon taking pledges, votes

It's still not too late to cast your vote for your favorite performer during the Goldsboro-Wayne Crime Stoppers 21st annual telethon. Viewers can call in from 1 to 7 p.m. today at 735-9440 and make a pledge. The telethon will...

Farm Service Agency balloting through Dec. 4

Farmers in the Fork, Buck Swamp, Great Swamp, Nahunta and Pikeville townships of Wayne County are urged to cast their ballots in the Farm Service Agency Committee elections being held through Dec. 4. The townships make up Local Administrative Area...

Friday, November 10, 2006

He was there

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Jimi Marcum holds up a 60-year-old picture of his father, Jim, 88. Until a few years ago, he said he had no idea that the photograph was taken while his father was a World War II medic...

Investigators track hit-and-run car

Less than 24 hours after authorities found the body of a Goldsboro man struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver, authorities might have already identified a suspect. Troopers of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Wayne County Sheriff's Office detectives and...

High-speed 18-wheeler chase spans 2 counties

A high-speed chase that began in Johnston County ended in Goldsboro in front of Wal-Mart Wednesday night. At about 8 p.m., the Johnston County Sheriff's Department received a call from the owner of M&M Feed Mill on N.C. 70, just...

Facilities team gets first round of direction

Two of the three committees empowered with reviewing facilities in the school system were given their marching orders Thursday night by the Facilities Master Plan Team. Wayne County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Taylor called the session a chance to lay...

Pikeville bank hit by armed suspect

PIKEVILLE -- Cradling a handgun, a Pikeville woman allegedly walked into BB&T Bank about 10 minutes before closing time Thursday and demanded money. The bank robber police identified as Pamela Diana Davis or Pamela Mercer Custer bolted from the bank...

That day on the beach at Normandy ...

Jim Marcum has carried an aging military identification in his back pocket for more than 60 years. The laminated card -- issued Feb. 7, 1944 -- is kept hidden from view, much like the painful memories he collected on the...

State says ABC scores will stand

End-of-grade math scores released last week will stand as official results, state and local officials announced this week. On Nov. 1, the State Board of Education announced results of the grades 3-8 math tests would be delayed pending further review....

Volunteers honored at ceremony

The Torhunta Boy Scout District honored its volunteers Thursday night at its annual banquet at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Beth Bosshart and Larry Filion received the District Award of Merit. Bill Moon received the Enduring Service Award. Ms. Bosshart...

Counties will honor local veterans with parades Sunday

Residents of Wayne, Duplin and Johnston counties will have a chance Saturday to honor America's veterans. Three Veterans Day parades are planned in the area -- in Goldsboro, Warsaw and Princeton. The parades in Goldsboro and Warsaw start at 11...

Public records

Investigations Goldsboro police are investigating these reports: *Two unknown suspects walked into the Teasers nightclub about 1:10 a.m. Friday. One of the suspects pointed a gun at a cashier and demanded money. While they emptied the till, one of the...

Thursday, November 9, 2006

Helping others

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Ernie Nichols leaves the Harvest Fellowship Church with food supplied by the Raleigh Food Bank this morning. The Harvest Fellowship Church Manna House on Walnut Street has a food and clothing give-away along with a short service...

Deputies seek clues in victim's murder

A Goldsboro man was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on U.S. 70 East near Long's Plant Farm Road Tuesday evening. The body of 47-year-old Andy Melvin Anderson, who lived in a home along the highway, was found dead...

Attorney General shares ways to stop ID theft

Scam artists have never had more ways to prey on people, officials said Wednesday, and the public needs to be aware of the many ways they can be tricked out of their money. About 100 people gathered at the Wayne...

Fingers point in hearing on EMS dispute

Four charges and three guilty verdicts later, there still was no resolution Wednesday to the Duplin County case involving former county emergency medical services director Curtis Brock and former Johnston Ambulance Service and county employee Barbara Coman. The first trial...

Group home operator proposes second site in Mt. Olive

MOUNT OLIVE -- White Oak Homes will ask the planning board to approve a Hillsboro Street location for an adult day program to serve his group home clients. Owner Donald Atkinson told the town board during its regular monthly meeting...

Officials prepare Wayne in case of pandemic flu outbreak

Goldsboro has already lived through one wave of pandemic flu. Between 1918 and 1919, on many days, the streets sat vacant -- as if nobody lived inside the city limits at all. Every sneeze, cough and deep breath brought with...

Commission reviews options in Case Farms rezoning

Wayne County commis-sioners listened to the benefits and disadvantages of rezoning property owned by Case Farms at its processing plant south of Goldsboro during a public hearing on the issue Tuesday. Case officials want to expand their operation and need...

Vets Parade route changed

The Goldsboro Veterans Day parade route on Saturday will still give residents an opportunity to pay their respects to America's service men and women, but the parade will have a new route this year. The parade has traditionally begun at...

Public records

Suspects sought Goldsboro-Wayne Crime Stoppers is asking the public's help in locating six suspects wanted on outstanding warrants issued in a drug round-up conducted in September. *Lorenzo Trinelli Davis, 24, of last known address 905 W. Oak St. *Rodney Lamar...

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Winders remains Sheriff

Wayne County voters decided Tuesday to give incumbent Sheriff Carey Winders another four years in office. Winders fought off a challenge from retired Goldsboro police officer Ken Edwards by an overwhelming majority of 2-to-1. The results have yet to be...

Body left on U.S. 70

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating the death of a man who was found in the median this morning along U.S. 70 near the Elroy Volunteer Fire Depart-ment, lawmen said. Wayne County Sheriff's...

Brand new Minshew takes over clerk's job

Wayne County Clerk of Court candidate Randy Winders saw his hopes of winning slipping away early Tuesday night, so at about 7:45 p.m., he called and conceded the race to Pam Minshew. "I knew I was winning," Democrat candidate Mrs....

Pate reclaims seat in District 11 fight

State Rep. Louis Pate earned another two years in office Tuesday night as Wayne County voters gave him a 2-to-1 margin at the polls, allowing him to look forward to his fourth term in the state House District 11 seat....

Kerr keeps his seat

For Sen. John Kerr, Tuesday evening played out much the same as many other election nights he has endured from behind a table at the Lantern Inn. As precincts began reporting in, he watched with tired eyes as friends and...

Thomas beats Smith in school board race

Board of Education member Lehman Smith lost an attempt for a third term Tuesday when former teacher and coach Dave Thomas won the District 1 seat by capturing 64 percent of the votes cast. The final tally showed Thomas with...

Months of controversy end in Braxton victory in Dist. 10

KINSTON -- Republican state House candidate Willie Ray Starling could not come up with enough votes to win the District 10 seat Tuesday, falling to Lenoir County Democrat Van Braxton by more than 1,300 votes. Most of the district is...

Lack of marquee races, rain kept many voters home here

Rain, wind and cool temperatures didn't make for ideal election weather Tuesday, but that didn't stop about a third of Goldsboro's registered voters from exercising their democratic rights. About 20,000 of Goldsboro's more than 63,000 registered voters cast a ballot...

Incumbent Smith retains his seat in N.C. Senate District 5

Fred Smith wasn't sweating it out at the Wayne County Republican Headquarters on Tuesday night. In fact, he and the others waiting for the precincts to report out were seemingly calm -- popping the occasional piece of candy, eyes glued...

Turner, Raynor oust Howard, Albertson from Duplin board

KENANSVILLE -- Two political newcomers unseated incumbent Duplin County commissioners Larry Howard and Arliss Albertson Tuesday. Trucking company owner Cary Turner of Beautancus became Duplin's first unaffiliated county commissioner when he defeated Democrat Larry Howard for the District 2 seat...

Public records

Investigations The following incidents are being investigated by Wayne County law enforcement: *Jimmy Brinson, of Dudley, reported a break-in to Goldsboro police officers Wednesday. He told officials that when he came out of a night club and walked up to...

Corrections

An entry that appeared in the public record on Sunday regarding Jason Burroughs, 25, of Crossbow Drive, Pikeville, was incorrect. The case was disposed of in October 2005. * An entry in Friday's public record should have stated Russell Lee...

Cooper-Standard fire

Fire sparked by a kink in a piece of rubber ignited at Cooper-Standard Automotive about 9 a.m. Monday, prompting employees to call for help. More than 17 firefighters arrived to put out the fire at the 374,000-square-foot building that employs...

Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Election day

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber A voter casts his ballot this morning at the polling place at W.A.G.E.S. on Royall Avenue in Goldsboro. For more information see Off to the polls....

Group shares opinions on schools

Spending more money on the schools the county has rather than building new ones topped a list of suggestions brought by a community watchdog group to the county board of education Monday night. The Advocates of Goldsboro and Wayne County,...

Off to the polls

As voters pulled into the Greenleaf Christian Church this morning, a blue T-shirt-clad Carey Winders support group cheered them on from the parking lot. “Vote Winders,” they yelled, as each resident walked into the building to cast their vote....

Two shot outside John Street business

An unknown assailant opened fire on two men during an argument in the parking lot of a Goldsboro business Monday evening. Jamie Ramon Carroll, 27, of Dorsey Street, and Randy John Suber, 26, Hamilton Drive, were taken to Wayne Memorial...

Council might use HUD funds for project

With their attention still focused on potential funding sources for the Paramount Theater and Community Building reconstruction projects, Goldsboro City Council got some good news Monday -- Community Development Block Grant money can be used for some costs associated with...

Alliance seeking input on park plan

Plans for a revamped Stoney Creek Park have been discussed for months now and an alliance has been formed. Now, its board members say it is time to let the public chime in -- again. The Stoney Creek Park Alliance...

Duplin commissioners hand over more money

With a savings account well above expectations, the Duplin County Board of Commissioners was feeling generous again Monday morning as it doled out almost $2 million in extra funding to the county Sheriff's Department, the county school system and James...

Residents could get help with sewer hook-up bills

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive Town Board is trying to help residents pay for hook-ups to its new sewer system. The Town Board authorized Mayor Ruff Huggins to sign an application for a grant that could provide up to...

Public records

Robbery foiled A store clerk foiled an armed robbery attempt at H&A Quick Mart on Central Heights Road Friday night. Three suspects entered the store. One of the robbers aimed a shotgun at the 69-year-old clerk and demanded money. Without...

Monday, November 6, 2006

Relocating to North Carolina

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber More than 80 wild horses and burros from the western United States were sold at auction Saturday and Sunday in Kenansville. Hundreds of horse lovers from across the state attended the event, held at the Duplin County...

Residents can offer input on rezoning

A land dispute among Wayne County, Case Farms and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is close to being resolved, which would allow Case Farms to expand its operations in the future. But before the Wayne County Board of Commissioners approves...

Turnout expected to be low Tuesday

For more than a week and a half, Wayne County voters went to the polls to cast one-stop early ballots. But now, county officials are wondering how many will go to the polls on Tuesday. About 6,400, or about 10...

Vaccine available for some at clinic

Reports of an early flu season this year have prompted the Health Department to schedule a flu clinic Tuesday to distribute vaccinations it has on hand. Health Director James Roosen said statewide surveillance last week showed the flu season is...

NAACP-sponsored event will honor county vets

Fourth Fighter Wing Mission Support Group commander Col. Russell Walden will be the keynote speaker Saturday as the Goldsboro-Wayne branch of the NAACP Armed Service and Veterans Affairs Committee hosts its annual Veterans Recognition Program. The event, slated for a...

Local businesses named among top in state

Five Wayne County businesses were among those recognized as some of the top money makers in the state in a business magazine. Goldsboro Milling Co., Southco Distributing Co., Pate Dawson Co., T.A. Loving Co. and Glenoit Universal Ltd. were ranked...

Friends facing off for seat on Duplin board

They might both be Duplin County natives and old friends, but that doesn't stop Republican Harold Raynor from thinking he can do a better job on the Duplin County Board of Commissioners than Democrat Arliss Albertson. "There was nobody stepping...

Political newcomer takes on incumbent in U.S. House race

Despite facing a 10-year incumbent in her bid for the District 7 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican Shirley Davis does not believe her lack of congressional experience will hinder her. In fact, she does not believe that...

Public records

Wanted Wayne County Sheriff's officials are searching Heather Jo Reid, 30, of last known address Gurley Dairy Road, Pikeville, and Cordayl Jamar Godette, 19. They are wanted in connection with break-ins in the Nahunta area. Anyone with information is asked...

Buses will operate on holiday schedule

The Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority, or GATEWAY, will be operating on a holiday schedule Friday. The bus service will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the van service will be operating on its normal schedule. Passengers requesting van service...

Sunday, November 5, 2006

City Council backing plan for projects

Despite funding questions that remain unanswered for the estimated $14 million Paramount and Community Building reconstruction projects, some Goldsboro City Council members said they are still confident moving forward with both facilities is the right move for the city and...

Lighthouse board still working on new direction

The administrative offices of The Lighthouse of Wayne County Inc. have re-opened and the safehouse has never closed, but the completion of the organization's restructuring plan is taking slightly longer than some members of the board of directors anticipated. The...

Man dies in knife attack

One man was killed and three others were wounded during an assault that occurred early Saturday morning in the northeastern part of Wayne County. Wayne County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to 105 Tindale Place about 12:30 a.m. Upon arrival, the...

Five will compete Saturday for title of Miss Goldsboro

Five young women will compete Saturday night in the 2007 Miss Goldsboro Scholarship Pageant at the Mount Olive Historical Assembly Hall in Mount Olive. The pageant is a preliminary contest in the Miss America Pageant. The winner will advance to...

Goldmasquers reunion weekend attracts alumni attention

Tickets are now on sale for two performances of "The Shepherd's Song" that will tie into a weekend reunion of the Goldsboro High School Goldmasquers next month at Wayne Community College. Organizer Jack Kannan, director of the college's Foundation, said...

City Council will ask for input on 10-year-plan

A public hearing and a rezoning request are among the items on a short docket for Goldsboro City Council's first meeting of the month Monday. The meeting, slated for a 7 p.m. start, will be held in the second-floor conference...

Giving Santa a little help

Riding in a single file formation, hundreds of motorcycle riders from the Harley Owners Group of Goldsboro roared into the parking lot of Shelton's Harley-Davidson Saturday. Spectators smiled, waved and some snapped their camera phones as riders decked in leather...

Walking to beat Parkinson's

PIKEVILLE -- Dana Lewis will never forget the painful memory of watching her mother, Pat Darden, die slowly from Parkinson's disease. She believes no one should have to suffer from this crippling affliction, so she helped organize a memory walk...

Court records

Wayne County Superior Court These cases were heard in Wayne County Superior Court: *Santos Rodriguez, 17, N. Center Street, Mount Olive, trafficking cocaine, 35 to 42 months Department of Corrections, $50,000 fine. *Dewey Bell, Old Mission Lane, Kinston, second-degree trespassing,...

'Scam Jam' Wednesday to show residents how to avoid con artists

Wayne County residents who want to learn more about how to avoid becoming the victim of con artists are urged to attend the "Scam Jam" Wednesday at the county Cooperative Extension Service at 208 W. Chestnut St. The event will...

Delta to end operations at Kinston Jetport in January

KINSTON -- Delta Airlines announced Friday the company will end its service to and from the Kinston Regional Jetport in 2007. The airline giant had initiated passenger flights to the airport more than a year ago, but officials said that...

Friday, November 3, 2006

Board gets input on college president search

Flexible, approachable, community-minded, with a heart for students and a vision for the future are just a few qualities the ideal candidate for Wayne Community College president should have, members of the community told college officials Thursday. At a community...

Excell Home Fashions is industry of year in Wayne

Excell Home Fashions was named Wayne County's Industry of the Year Thursday night by the Wayne County Development Alliance. The award is given annually to a business in recognition of its contributions to Wayne County's economy, its civic involvement and...

Driver charged in crash on Royall

A Goldsboro woman is still clinging to life more than four days after she was injured in a multi-vehicle accident on Jefferson Street and Royall Avenue on Monday. Margaret Edmunds Musser was traveling west on Royall Avenue when a trailer...

Abuse case delayed until January 22

The case of a Goldsboro man accused of kidnapping and sexually abusing at least two mentally handicapped women has been postponed. The case of Rodney Levon Williams was expected to be heard at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Courtroom 3 at...

Voters have one more day to cast early ballots

Wayne County voters have only one more day to join the more than 4,200 people who have already cast one-stop early ballots before Election Day. Polls will be open at the Wayne County Public Library from 8 a.m. to 1...

Meet the candidates

With Election Day just five days away, candidates at every level are making a final push to get their supporters to the polls on Tuesday. For judicial candidates, though, that effort is more a matter of letting people know who...

Public records

Investigations Wayne County sheriff's deputies are investigating these reports: *Arson is suspected in a fire that broke out at rental home at 665 Loop Road about 3:45 p.m. Wednesday. No one was home at the time of the fire, which...

Thursday, November 2, 2006

Berkeley road work

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber The repaving of Berkeley Boulevard continues as asphalt is spread across the turning lane of the road Thursday morning. For more information see It's almost over....

School facilities work ready to begin

The next step in the process toward financing a school construction plan could start as early as next week, Facilities Master Plan Team members decided Wednesday. The team, comprised of representatives from the school board and county commission, will meet...

Math test scores in for 2005

Preliminary results are in for end-of-grade tests, but expect them to look different next week after the state Board of Education reviews them, local officials say. Dr. Craig McFadden, assistant superintendent for accountability and student services, said the results were...

It's almost over

Flashing emergency lights. Dump trucks. Steam rollers. Droves of orange cones and men in reflective vests. This was the chaotic scene that greeted drivers as they headed to and from work on North Berkeley Boulevard this week. A repaving project...

Historic homes are city's hot properties

Julie Thompson says she senses something different these days when she drives around the historic neighborhoods in and around downtown Goldsboro. New faces can be seen on the sidewalks. Homes built at the turn of the 20th century are beginning...

Chief Justic Parker tries to keep her seat

North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah Parker doesn't try to hide the fact that she is a Democrat, but she also doesn't place too much stock in liberal and conservative labels. "I don't go around classifying myself one or...

Museum seeking Scout memorabilia for BSA exhibit

Boy Scout memorabilia collectors Rick Pridgen and Andy Stevens are accepting artifacts for an upcoming exhibit at the Wayne County Historical Museum. The exhibit will be on display from January through March and will include artifacts from Eagle badges from...

Public records

Accident Gwendolyn Vann Carr was injured when she lost control of her 2005 Buick while trying to pass a man on a bicycle, hit a ditch and overturned, according to Goldsboro police. The accident happened Monday near George and Crump...

Fire damages shop near Nahunta

PIKEVILLE -- A gasoline laced fire swept through a private hobby shop on Boyette Pond Road leaving more than $130,000 in damage in its wake Monday. Units of the Nahunta, Polly Watson, Little River and Kenly volunteer fire departments and...

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Halloween hits downtown

News-Argus/Mitch Loeber Robert Pliler, also known as Dale Earnhardt Jr., right, and “princess” Alexis Pliler, make chalk drawings at Boo It downtown last night. The event, sponsored by the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. brought more than 500 children out...

Search for project's funding continues

Land along Center Street -- the future site of Goldsboro's planned recreation center -- has been purchased and final designs for the facility are on the way. Still, City Council members are waiting for a final recommendation from city staff...

List prompts updates on some county sex offenders

Within hours of publication of a list of 143 registered sex offenders in Wayne County, officials tracked down new information about several offenders. Officials discovered only six of the nine sex offenders listed on the State Bureau of Investigation Web...

Longtime community volunteer, Bill Kemp, dies at 83

William Powell Kemp Jr., a leading Goldsboro business and civic leader, died today at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. He was 83. Kemp built Kemp Furniture Co. into one of Wayne County’s leading businesses. He was a former president of...

An historic tree grows in city park

Years ago, registered forester Hugh Tate took a drive through downtown Goldsboro on a winter day. As he passed by Stoney Creek Park, he noticed something the summer leaves had been hiding, standing powerful along the creek's bank -- something...

Goldsboro High to share $20,000 in grant money

Goldsboro High School will be one of three low-performing schools in the state that will share a $20,000 national grant to enhance staff development and to encourage more parental involvement. The funding from the National Education Association will help the...

Weber challenges Jones for his congressional seat

Democrat Craig Weber says he should be the next congressman from District 3, not just because he is qualified, but because of a pledge his opponent made in 1994. Weber said before he took office, incumbent Republican Rep. Walter Jones...

Clarification

In Tuesday's edition of The News-Argus, incumbent Duplin County Commissioner Larry Howard was quoted as saying he wanted to bring the county's emergency medical services up to the paramedic level. The story should have read that he wants to keep...

Public records

Investigations An additional charge has been levied by Wayne County Sheriff's officers against a man who allegedly stole a set of golf clubs from the southern end of the county. The golf clubs were recovered. Woodrow Mitnaul III, 24, Highland...

Relay for Life dog show Sunday

The Horse 'N' Around For a Cure Relay for Life Team will sponsor a dog show Sunday at 1 p.m. at Herman Park. A variety of prizes will be given out to winners in various categories. Members of the Seymour...